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Money Matters
This time of year a lot of us turn our attention to finances largely due to the fact it’s tax time. As such, it’s also a good time to evaluate and re-evaluate our “investments”. We invest in many ways. There are financial investments we make so we’ll get some great pointers from Diana Turner on financial planning and investment advice. We also check in with Doreen Cott, Director of Economic Development for the Town of Queen Creek who provides an update on business investments in our community. Investment in residential real estate is alive and well in Queen Creek so we get expert advice from Sarah Nibarger, a local real estate agent, who shares her expertise on our home and other real estate investments. We also touch on money and time saving techniques as well as investment in the arts, which is so important.
We all invest in many different things for many different reasons, and when done wisely and with care, the results can be so rewarding and fulfilling.
1: Owner, Azadeh Purvis (pictured right) hosted a Galentine's event at Sidewalk Coffee and Bagel Co. 2: Ladies seated at a tablescape for the Galentine's event. 3: Sipping tea at the Galentine's Event. 4: Dancers enjoying the town's annual Love Bug event. 5: Father and daughters at the photo booth for the Love Bug event. 6: A boy takes a turn with the fire hose at Public Safety Day. 7: Families had a chance to talk with fire and police at Public Safety Day.
TOWN OF QUEEN CREEK
J. KAUFMAN
K. PETERSON
TOWN OF QUEEN CREEK
J. KAUFMAN
K. PETERSON
J. KAUFMAN
business monthly
Queen Creek Health Center Opens in Queen Creek
Queen Creek Health Center and Queen Creek Wellness and Aesthetics Center celebrated the grand opening of their office in Queen Creek. Queen Creek Health Center is a family-owned primary care practice that opened in July 2024. They offer primary care, sports and mission physicals, wellness exams, chronic disease management, preventative care, and sick visits. Queen Creek Wellness and Aesthetics offers face and body contouring, skin rejuvenation, dermal injectable, laser treatments, and infrared light therapy.
McDonald's Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
There was a ribbon cutting of the new McDonald's at Vineyard Towne Center. In celebration of their grand opening, this location offered a free meal in February, valid once per day, to local fire personnel and police officers. Local business owners Edward and Kyong Kapalczynski also presented a $1,000 check to the Queen Creek 4-H Chapter. McDonald's serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients including tasty breakfasts, delicious burgers and more!
Marco's Pizza Opens in Queen Creek
Marco's Pizza celebrated the grand opening of their new location in Queen Creek on Friday, February 14th. Marco's Pizza is authentic Italian pizza with fresh dough, its three fresh signature cheeses, and their original Giammarco recipe sauce. Their menu includes pizza, pizza bowls, calzones, salads, desserts, catering options, and more. This location is only for carryout and delivery.
Photography by Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce
Photography by Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce
Photography by Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce
LET’S MAKE A MOVE!
Whether you are first-time buyer, ready to search for your DREAM HOME or thinking of selling... CALL ME TODAY!
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Military shaped my life. Having been married to a Marine before, during, and now after his time in service, I know FIRST-HAND the emotions that can be involved with any relocation. So many factors play into relocating and no two moves are alike. Having the honor of working for others during this time, along with my own personal experiences, gives me the unique ability to look for concerns and address them before they cause a problem. I love providing guidance and information that wasn’t always available during my own personal moves. Helping families through wherever life moves them has become a true passion of mine and I would love the opportunity to help you along your journey!
ARTICLE BY BREANNA VEGA
BY JENNY KAUFMAN
Meal-PREPPING
Meal prepping is the ultimate money saving and health hack. To apply these tips at home, you’ll need to ensure you have the right equipment for storage. Figure how many people versus how many meals and that’s your magic storage number. Once you have chosen a storage set you’re ready to prep and divide. Meal prepping doesn’t have to be fancy or perfect but it does take time. Give yourself the allowance of investing in yourself and getting what you need to accomplish your goal. Also, have fun with it. Meals don’t have to be boring. Think of your favorite breakfast, lunch or dinner. There is always a way to scale what you love into a weeks’ worth of deliciousness. Create variety for yourself once you get the hang of it. Plus, by omitting food delivery and restaurant outings, you’ll find your health and your wealth increasing.
Save money and time by prepping ahead.
Qira Lewis Lyfted Kytchen
Qira Lewis of locally owned meal prepping and catering company, Lyfted Kytchen, shared her top tips for meal prep. Visit Lyfted Kytchen on her socials if you need someone to do the work for you: @LyftedbyQ & lyftedkytchen@gmail.com
STEP 1
Prioritize Time
Invest in yourself! The expert meal prepper prioritizes one thing above all else: time. Setting aside a couple hours once a week to ensure you’re able to make your meals ahead results in a sense of accomplishment and several dollars saved.
STEP 2
Buy Local & Bulk
Save money and increase the quality of what you’re eating by buying in bulk when possible. Always source local when you can as well. Hobby farms and regenerative farms are all over the valley. Find one you like and support it.
STEP 3
Find Your Why
Whether it be health, allergy, or money related – find the reason why you want to make a lifestyle shift and revisit this often! Keep it in mind along the way.
Qira Lewis
Easy Protein Bowls
ARTICLE BY BREANNA VEGA
Prep and enjoy lunch all week with this easy recipe.
Saving money and meal prepping goes hand in hand. To increase your health and the money in your pocket weekly, use this nourishing base recipe to meal prep for the whole week.
ingredients:
• 2 cups Chicken stock
• 2 cans Black beans
• 1/2 Yellow onion
• 1 Bell pepper
• 1 cup Long grain white rice
• Lean beef
• Shredded cheese
• Iceburg lettuce
directions:
Step 1. Use a pressure cooker to prepare rice after rinsing. Use at a 2:1 ratio with chicken stock and cook for 4 minutes.
Step 2. Dice your onion and bell pepper. Stir fry in a pan. Add beef and cook with vegetables until medium well. Dash oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper for taste.
Step 3. Strain and rinse beans, then add to beef, onion, and pepper mixture.
Step 4. Add cooked rice to beef, bean, and veggie mixture.
Step 5. Divide into glassware for the week ahead
Step 6. Prep sides of cheese and lettuce for toppings.
Mastering Money
ARTICLE BY JARED ORR PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY KAUFMAN
Diana Turner gives her top financial tips.
The American Dream. A house with a white picket fence, financial security, and the ability to provide a better future for your children and grandchildren. This dream, however, is slipping further out of reach for many, morphing into a source of anxiety rather than aspiration. The crisis isn’t simply a lack of money; it’s a pervasive problem of procrastination and a misunderstanding of how wealth truly builds. This inaction, coupled with an unpredictable economy, is creating a generational wealth gap, leaving families struggling to stay afloat, let alone build a legacy.
Diana Turner, a local financial advisor and life insurance agent, is helping people take control of their financial futures and fully embrace the American Dream.
“My favorite part about helping people is giving them hope and excitement about their futures. People are not prepared, and they know that. They don’t know who to go to or trust, what to ask, and they don’t feel like they have enough to get started.” Turner says.
FINDING TIME
From Diana’s experience, the biggest misconception people have when it comes to finances is that they don’t have enough time to save and invest. The immediate pressures of daily life often overshadow long-term financial goals. Paying bills, managing expenses, and dealing with unexpected emergencies take precedence. This usually leaves little room for saving and investing.
“Just waiting one year can cost hundreds of thousands in lost rates of returns.”
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Another misconception is paying yourself last. Building wealth requires focus and knowing that paying yourself first is equally important as paying your bills on time. It’s so important to have that monthly amount in your budget that you invest in yourself consistently. If you are always putting money away, you can stay away from credit cards, and your money will be working for you.
CONTINUED >
Diana Turner
“My favorite part about helping people is giving them hope and excitement about their futures.
People
are not prepared, and they know that.”
MAKE A PLAN
The main thing Diana helps her clients do is to start investing in their future now. She recommends meeting with an advisor who has the same goals as you and is willing to help you from beginning to end. Put a plan in place and work to keep yourself on that path.
“Make sure you have annual meetings with your advisor!” She says.
ADJUST AS YOU GO
As your life changes, so will your financial goals. Give yourself raises, and have the goal in mind to add to your budgeted savings. If your money isn’t working for you at a pace higher than inflation, you will never get ahead.
DIANA TURNER
Diana has been a resident of Queen Creek since April of 2008. She has a degree in business administration and has been in finance all her adult life. Originally she began as an accountant then a consultant for corporations to help them turn a profit. Diana then became a stay at home mom. When her husband unexpectedly passed away she learned that he had the wrong life insurance. In addition to her grief, Diana had to battle through financial turmoil. After this experience she decided to get her securities and life insurance license to help others avoid similar pitfalls. Her passion is to advise middle income families and small businesses and to help build generational wealth providing hope and a plan.
REALTOR
SARAH NIBARGER'S TIPS FOR PROPERTY INVESTMENT
Smart Investor's Guide to Real Estate
ARTICLE BY SARAH NIBARGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON
Sarah Nibarger
“Unlike some assets that lose value over time, real estate typically appreciates.”
WHY INVEST IN REAL ESTATE?
1. Steady Cash Flow
One of the biggest advantages of real estate investing is the potential for passive income. Rental properties, whether residential or commercial, provide a steady stream of income that can cover mortgage payments, maintenance, and even leave extra profit in your pocket.
2. Long-Term Appreciation
Unlike some assets that lose value over time, real estate typically appreciates. Over the years, property values tend to rise, allowing investors to build significant equity. This means that by holding onto property can pay off in the long run.
3. Tax Benefits
Real estate investors enjoy a variety of tax advantages, including deductions on mortgage interest, property depreciation, and maintenance costs. Additionally, capital gains taxes can often be reduced or deferred through strategies like a 1031 exchange.
4. Inflation Protection
As the cost of living rises, so do rent prices and property values. Unlike cash savings, which lose purchasing power over time, real estate investments typically keep pace with inflation, making them a solid hedge against economic downturns.
5. Portfolio Diversification
For those already investing in stocks and bonds, real estate offers an excellent way to diversify. Since property values don’t always move in sync with the stock market, real estate can provide a financial safety net during market fluctuations.
WAYS TO INVEST IN REAL ESTATE
1. Rental Properties
Owning rental properties can generate consistent income. While it requires property management, either personally or through a company, it remains one of the most common investment strategies.
2. House Flipping
Flipping houses involves buying undervalued properties, renovating them, and selling for a profit. While this strategy can yield quick returns, it requires a strong understanding of the market, renovation costs, and timing.
3. Real Estate Investment Trusts
For those who don’t want the responsibility of property management, REITs offer a more hands-off approach. REITs are companies that own income-generating real estate, allowing investors to buy shares and earn dividends.
4. Short-Term Rentals
With platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, investors can turn properties into short-term rentals. This strategy often provides higher income potential than traditional long-term rentals, but it requires active management and adherence to local regulations.
5. Real Estate Syndications & Crowdfunding
Real estate syndications and crowdfunding allow investors to pool their money to fund large-scale real estate projects. This is a great option for those who want to invest in properties without the burden of full ownership.
6. Buy & Hold Strategy
A long-term approach, the buy-and-hold strategy involves purchasing property and keeping it for years while renting it out.
7. Commercial Real Estate
Investing in office buildings, retail spaces, or industrial properties can be highly lucrative. While these investments often require more capital upfront, they provide higher rental yields and longer lease terms compared to residential properties.
HOW TO GET STARTED
1. Educate Yourself – Read books, listen to podcasts, and connect with experienced investors to gain knowledge.
2. Set Clear Goals – Define your investment objectives.
3. Secure Financing – Explore mortgage options, partnerships, or investment groups to fund your venture.
4. Choose Your Strategy – Pick an investment method that aligns with your budget, risk tolerance, and time commitment.
5. Start Smal l – Consider a single rental property or a REIT to gain experience before scaling up.
Listing by Limitless sarah.eastvalleyazhomesforsale. com Instagram: Sarah L Nibarger
THE EYE OF an Artist
One artist invests in perfecting her craft.
ARTICLE BY BREANNA VEGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY KAUFMAN
Billie Kretschman
“We were born before the wind, Also younger than the sun Ere the bonnie boat was won As we sailed into the mystic”…
These lyrics spin on the soft sound of a vinyl, chosen by Bill Jean Kretschman, local artist and member of San Tan Artist Guild, as her collections soundtrack. When asked what would be played in the background of her creations, Van Morison’s: “Into the Mystic”, swiftly came to mind to the artist.
A fitting track, Billie Jean reminisces of the detail and precision found in her artwork passed down inherently from a bloodline of photographers, handymen and woodworkers, tracing back as far as her great grandfather photographing soldiers of the war and turning them into post cards for the service members.
These details sway to the rhythmic hum of those familiar lyrics chosen by Kretchsman,
…“yeah, when that foghorn blows, I will be coming home”…
The majority of Billie’s inspiration has been drawn from her own ventures and primarily from nature. A native to Michigan, Kretschman found her own way through the pacific northwestern areas of the United States until she went westward and ended up residing in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. Taking a variety of technical art classes offered at local community centers and colleges, Billie’s dedication to perfecting her craft shines through without second thought. Billie has a way of capturing even the most minute of details – paralleling her early start in photography.
Van Morison’s last line of, “Into the Mystic”, is a perfect reflection of Billie Jean and her capacity for artistic evolution: “too late to stop now”, rings in the background as I ask her what her plans are for 2025. Billie Jean tells of how she will be looking forward to RV travels across the nation, but plans to bring back a slew of photos to draw inspiration from for her next series of paintings.
Find Billie Jean’s work at the Chandler Gilbert Communiversity alongside a display with the San Tan Valley Artist Guide.
GREENS INVEST IN YOUR
DANDELION GREENS:
Dandelion greens are a nutritious and easy addition to any meal, perfect for salads or cooked dishes. They are rich in vitamins A, C, K, chlorophyll, and fiber, making them a great choice for digestion and overall health. Their light flavor and texture enhance salads and sandwiches.
BROCCOLI:
Broccoli is often hailed as a nutritional powerhouse, packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Known for being high in vitamins A, C, and K, it also contains important minerals like potassium, iron, and calcium. In addition, it’s a rich source of beta-carotene, flavonoids, and fiber. Whether raw or cooked, broccoli is an excellent choice for immune system support, making it one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available.
KALE:
Kale is loaded with essential nutrients such as vitamins C, B6, E, K, and manganese. It contains twice as much selenium as spinach and is an excellent source of calcium. Kale’s unique properties help bind to cholesterol and lower oxalate levels, which promotes calcium absorption and makes it suitable for those prone to kidney stones. Additionally, it provides eye health benefits, thanks to lutein, and its disease-fighting properties make it a great addition to salads, smoothies, and more.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Boost your health by adding a generous serving of fresh greens to your daily diet. While both cooked and raw vegetables offer health benefits, consuming them raw often provides the most nutrients. Raw greens are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, helping to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of disease.
ARTICHOKES:
Artichokes are not only delicious but also packed with fiber, which aids in digestion. They are a great source of plant protein, potassium, and antioxidants like polyphenols. Artichokes also provide essential nutrients, including vitamins C, K, folate, magnesium, and B vitamins.
ASPARAGUS:
Asparagus is versatile and can be enjoyed grilled, sautéed, baked, or even raw. Packed with vitamins C, E, B, K, folate, and copper, it’s a great source of fiber. It also helps lower cholesterol and provides a variety of antioxidants that aid in healing. Asparagus is a perfect side dish that complements both light and robustly flavored meals.
SPINACH:
Spinach is a popular green known for its mild flavor and impressive nutritional profile. Rich in vitamins A, C, K, as well as magnesium, potassium, and iron, spinach is great for overall health. It also provides antioxidants that support eye health and includes calcium for stronger bones. However, because spinach has a higher oxalate content, it should be consumed in moderation by those with a history of kidney stones.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS:
Brussels sprouts are a highly nutritious cruciferous vegetable, known for their vitamin C, K, and folate content, as well as carotenoids and fiber. These vegetables can be shaved, sliced, sautéed, boiled, or grilled, offering a range of flavors from mild to bitter, depending on preparation. Universal Fitness and MMA Where Fitness and Fun Collide!
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QUEEN CREEK'S FUTURE
Doreen Kott shares the exciting new changes coming to town.
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
Whether you are a new transplant or a long time resident, you will not be blind to the rapid growth of Queen Creek. Simply driving down the roads you will spy a new structure suddenly pop up on a corner, joining a multitude of exciting
“Simply driving down the roads you will spy a new structure suddenly pop up on a corner...”
new businesses and projects that have come to town. Doreen Cott, Director of Economic Development for Queen Creek, has seen that trajectory first hand in her 18 years with the town.
Queen Creek currently has a population of 83,700, the median age is about 36, and the average income is $135,000. Therefore with such a demographic and still at the beginning of so much, residents will be happy to hear how well their investment in Queen Creek is paying off. Doreen says that the town would ultimately like to become a ‘live, work, and play’ location for residents, meaning that commute times are low, leaving more time for family and entertainment.
The latest addition of LG Energy Solution which manufactures cylindrical batteries, will bring a number of good paying jobs to the area. It is also an
indication of a continuing shift from Queen Creek’s agricultural past to a more dynamic and modern town. Even as Queen Creek moves from the rural to the suburban, the town leaders planned thoughtfully for this and continue to maintain high design standards of buildings, open spaces, and agritainment zoning. Therefore the combination of Queen Creek’s charm and job opportunities will continue to attract more people.
Already recognizable names such as Costco, Trader Joe’s, Nordstrom Rack, and others have come to town. There have also been exciting additions such as Pecan Lake Entertainment, Fat Cat’s, and Slick City that have brought more things to do for families or couples. However, as Doreen listed future projects, it is clear there is no slowing down for Queen Creek.
Horseshow Park & Equestrian Centre
Upcoming developments like The Switchyard is a mixed use project that will bring businesses like Postino’s. The 54,000 square feet will include retail, restaurants, and office space. This will enhance the downtown area and add to the list of existing developments like Queen Creek Marketplace and Vineyard Towne Center that already boast many shops and businesses. In fact, a second Target is slated to open at Vineyard Towne Center in Fall of this year.
Queen Creek is also slowly growing as a place for foodies too. Alongside Old Ellsworth Brewing Company, Sushi Creek, and Queen Creek Olive Mill, more restaurants are looking to feed Queen Creek’s growing appetite. Badlands Bar and Grill recently opened, and the Perch Brewery (which has a location in Chandler) will have another spot in town too. A new wine and craft beer taproom will open on Old Ellsworth Road called The Sacred Pint.
Yet while there are cranes and traffic cones announcing the buzz and activity of new builds and new names coming to town, there are also familiar sights and established businesses that are sensing change and meeting those demands. Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre, which hosts several rodeo and horse riding events all year, are looking to add a
Top: Queen Creek Olive Mill
Bottom: Doreen Cott
“Even as Queen Creek moves from the rural to the suburban, the town leaders planned thoughtfully for this and continue to maintain high design standards...”
steak house on its property. In addition, Desert Horizon Nursery, which is locally owned and operated, is hoping to open its own bakery and restaurant on-site. Their vision is to combine a dining experience set within a beautiful garden setting called True Story.
Doreen says that at local town events like ‘What’s Poppin’ in QC,’ residents have voiced a desire to see more sit down restaurants in town. The incoming projects appears to be addressing some of those demands. There are also requests to see a more vibrant and walkable down town for residents to flock to on a Friday or Saturday night. Doreen says the town is mindful of that and they are ‘working hard to diversify amenities and support entrepreneurs.’
As Queen Creek attracts more interest from businesses and more people move in, Doreen says that the town doesn’t want to lose its identity or core vision in the midsts of all this change. There is, for example, a need for more hotels to cater to tourists who attend events like Roots N’ Boots, the Garlic Festival at Queen Creek Olive Mill, or the Pumpkin Chilli Festival at Schnepf Farms. Therefore planning well for the right kind of projects is important. Doreen says ‘We listen to our residents and try to be strategic.’ Residents are even encouraged to participate and engage with their town at local events and on their website. The future is not only bright for Queen Creek, but it is practically here. www.investtheqc.org
Pecan Lake Entertainment
APRIL 2025
Prioritize You
APRIL 3RD
Hadestown
Queen Creek Highschool | 9:00 AM
Hadestown is a musical that retells the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice as well as the story of Hades and Persephone. This musical explores the themes of loss, love, and hope. This is the first year that the high school has had the ability to bring this production to their stage. Hadestown will run April 3-5th. https://gofan.co/ app/school/AZ11995_1
APRIL 4TH
Cardboard Box Car
Founder’s Park | 6:30 PM
Town of Queen Creek Environmental Services presents: Cardboard Box Car “Drive-in” Movie! This is a free event at Founders’ Park (22407 S. Ellsworth Road). Bring your homemade recyclable box car and blanket or chair and enjoy the movie. Food trucks available at 6:30 p.m. (food available for purchase) Movie begins at sunset (about 7:15 p.m.) www.queencreek.org
APRIL 12TH
Olive Blossom Festival
Queen Creek Olive Mill | 9:00 AM
Celebrate spring time in Queen Creek and see the olive groves in full bloom. Enjoy live music, vendors, and tractor tours. Admission is free. For more information visit www.queencreekolivemill.com
APRIL 18TH
The Spongebob
Musical: Youth Edition
Queen Creek Performing Arts Center | 7:00 PM
Based on the beloved animated series, The SpongeBob Musical takes us to Bikini Bottom, where SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. The power of optimism really can save the world! April 18-26th, 2025 Evening Performances at 7 PM • Saturday Matinee at 2 PM. www.qcpa.org
APRIL 26TH
Scottsdale Jazz Festival
Scottsdale Civic Center | 6:30 PM
Set against the backdrop of the Scottsdale Civic Center, the 14th annual Jazz Festival promises to be a spectacular celebration of jazz in all its forms. Enthusiasts will experience a dynamic lineup featuring celebrated artists. This is one of the most anticipated cultural events in the region. Tickets are expect to sell quickly, for more information go to: www.scottsdalejazzfest.org
APRIL 26TH
Queen Creek Recycles Drop Off Event
Town of Queen Creek Field Operations Facility | 7:00 AM
The town of Queen Creek will accept various items for recycling between 7am-11am. Items such as appliances, electronics, metals, tires, paints, paper shredding, prescription drugs, textiles and small furniture. To see the full list of approved and prohibited items please visit: www.queencreekaz.gov
